5 Steps To Organize Your Philadelphia Entertainment Center

Philadelphia is widely known for being a sports-centric city, so it's no wonder that big TVs and entertainment centers are in high demand for watching all of our pulse-pounding sports. But what do you do with that area so it doesn't look like a bulky mess in your living space? Follow these tips below for keeping your entertainment center up to par.

1. Get Creative: There are numerous ways to create a balanced and impressive display of all your entertainment goodies by sourcing inspiration from decor boutiques and design websites. Utilize your DVDs, CDs and video games as part of your design. However, make sure there is uniformity to the arrangement.

2. Simplify: Prioritize your items. What do you need displayed and what can you hide away? The best thing to do is take stock of your storage options to assess what needs to remain out in the open on the entertainment center. Start with shelves and cabinets. Fill these with smaller extraneous items that otherwise accumulate as clutter. Most likely, electronic devices will need more room. Be mindful of the construction of the entertainment center and follow the lead of the pre-formed holes to feed and hide wires.

3. Shop Around: Visit a few stores in person and see the entertainment centers up close and personal. Bring measuring tape and determine what can fit into your allotted space. Take notice of the displays put out by stores. Chances are a professional made sure the piece was presented in the most aesthetically sound way. Copy theses layouts, as they will be helpful when organizing your own items.

4. Mix It Up: An entertainment center is the focal point of many rooms. Take into account that you can infuse non-media items into the display to diversify your design. Try using art as a backdrop, or a uniquely shaped candle or ceramic as a bookend. It's the little things that can take your entertainment center from boring to bold, so pay attention to detail.

5. Clean Sweep: After you've placed all knick knacks with care, forget the daunting task of running the wires. Use tie wraps and electrical tape to label each bundle and neatly tuck them away from view. Labels will come in handy when you need to unplug one of your four machines that have multiple wires connected to them.

The following local businesses may be able to help you get started:

Free Reign Boutique
317 Ridge Pike
Conshohocken, PA 19428
(484) 368-3005
www.freereignboutique.com

Hours: Mon to Fri - 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Sat - 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sun - 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Free Reign Boutique is a great resource for design ideas. Purchase one of their center options, or pick your favorite layout display and mimic it in your own home.

Cohen & Co. Hardware and Home Goods
615 E Passyunk Ave
Philadelphia, PA 19147
(215) 922-3493
www.cohenandcohardware.com

Hours: Mon - 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Tues to Sat - 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sun - 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

It is very likely that you don't own all tools needed for sprucing up your entertainment center. Visit Cohen and Co. Hardware to rally up all necessary equipment.

Inliquid Art & Design
1400 North American St
Philadelphia, PA 19122
(215) 235-3405
www.inliquid.org

Hours: By Appointment

Create that unique entertainment backdrop with ideas from Inliquid Art & Design. Their guidance will open up your eyes to options that would have never crossed your mind.

For more great tricks, tips and advice about your home, visit CBSPhiladelphia/YourHome.

Michelle Conron is a freelance writer and a style and fashion enthusiast residing in Philadelphia, Pa. Her work can be found on on Examiner.com.